Rotating filter system

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a rotating filter system, comprising a filter housing ( 110, 210, 310 ) and a filter rotor ( 112, 212, 312 ) which can rotate therein, having filter cells ( 136′, 136 ″) with inserted filter means ( 138 ) provided in the rotor casing unit ( 128 ) thereof in order to filter out the proportion of solids as a filter cake (FK), for instance, from a suspension supplied thereto and in order to evacuate the filtrate via discharge lines ( 142, 242 ). The filter rotor ( 112, 212, 312 ) can be driven by a drive motor ( 154   b,    254   b ) via a gear unit ( 154, 254, 354 ) with at least one output member ( 154   d,    254   d ) which is connected to the filter rotor ( 112, 212, 312 ). In order to increase filter output, the output member ( 154   d,    254   d ) is supported in a stationary manner in a bearing element ( 111, 211, 311 ) for said output member, which is separate from a rotor bearing element ( 225, 325 ) or/and the output member ( 154   d,    254   d ) is driven by a group of wheels which are distributed around the periphery of the output member ( 154   d,    254   d ) in such a way that the radial components of the forces of the driving wheels which are transmitted to the output member ( 154   d,    254   d ) are canceled out.

The invention relates to a rotating filter system, comprising a filterhousing having a housing casing unit, a filter rotor with a rotor casingunit accommodated within the filter housing and capable of rotatingabout a rotor axis, an interspace between the rotor casing unit and thehousing casing unit, where the rotor casing unit has a plurality offilter cells or filter cell groups following one another in theperipheral direction, where additionally in separate filter cells asupply space opening toward the interspace is in each instance separatedby a filter means from a discharge line system rotating with the filterrotor, to which in turn a stationary discharge line system is connecteddownstream via a rotating connection assembly, where additionally theinterspace is divided by zone-separating means into a plurality ofinterspace zones following one another in the peripheral direction,which upon rotation of the filter rotor successively come intocommunication with separate filter cells or filter cell groups and atleast some are in communication with a stationary supply line system, sothat at least one stationary supply line of the stationary supply linesystem, via an associated stationary interspace zone and in eachinstance at least one of the filter cells or filter cell groupssuccessively traveling past this interspace zone and rotating dischargelines of the rotating discharge line system in each instance assigned tothe individual filter cells or filter cell groups is in communicationwith a stationary discharge line of the stationary discharge line systemassigned to this stationary supply line, where additionally the filterrotor is supported by a rotor bearing and this rotor bearing issupported stationary by a rotor bearing element, where additionally thefilter rotor is capable of being driven by a drive motor via a gearunit, which has an output member located substantially coaxial with thefilter rotor and connected with the filter rotor for common rotationabout the rotor axis.

In particular, the invention concerns rotating filter systems in whichfor the filtering operation a pressure is built up on the filtermaterial in the interspace, for example by hydrostatic supply pressureor by additional supply of pressure gas or by pumps, and in which thefiltrate is evacuated through the filter cells via the rotatingdischarge line system, the rotating connection assembly and finallythrough the stationary discharge line system. Passage of one or morewash media, for example a wash liquid or a drying gas or the like, maybe effected in similar fashion.

A filter system of this type is disclosed for example in German Patent878,795 and in the printed source BHS-FEST-Druckfilter bearing theimprint h-2/2-94. In such systems, it is alternatively possible that forperforming or supporting the filter operation via the stationarydischarge line system, the rotating connection assembly and the rotatingdischarge line system, a negative pressure is applied to the downstreamside of the filter means.

In the known rotating filter system of German Patent 878,795, the filterrotor is supported by hollow shafts in hollow shaft bearings, which inturn are supported by supports stationary and separate from thesupporting element of the filter housing. On one of the hollow shafts,i.e., at one end of the rotating filter system the rotating connectionassembly is located; at the other end of the rotating filter system thelarge gear wheel of a spur gear is located on the other hollow shaft.This large gear wheel is driven by a pinion, which is supportedseparately. Not only is a torque transmitted by the tooth engagementbetween the pinion and the large gear wheel; but also considerableradial forces which are not always completely absorbed by the bearing ofthe associated hollow shaft, are also produced so that deformationforces are introduced into the filter rotor, which may result in stresspeaks in the structure of the filter rotor. It is therefore necessary toconstruct the filter rotor very sturdy, so that it is capable ofwithstanding the pressures in the interspace. Put another way, when thefilter rotor is produced in a light structure, which is desirable forreasons of cost, the pressures that may be built up in the interspacemust be limited in order to prevent harmful stress peaks on the filterrotor. This means that the throughput performance of the rotating filtersystem must be limited.

In the design of a pressure filter system disclosed in the printedsource BHS-FEST-Druckfilter h-2/2-94, the pressure filter rotor issupported by means of two hollow shafts by slide bearings in bearingbrackets, which are flanged onto the filter housing. Located on onehollow shaft is the central part of a rotating connection assembly;located on the other hollow shaft, i.e., near the other end of thefilter housing, is the large wheel of a spur gear. Owing to theengagement of a driving pinion with this large wheel, in addition to thetorque, radial forces are also introduced into the supporting shaft,which place a burden on the filter drum as well as the filter housing,which via the bearing bracket represents the supporting element for theassociated slide bearing. In other words, in this embodiment as well itmust be expected that additional stresses are introduced into the filterdrum and into the filter housing, i.e., in addition to the stresses thatare attributable to the operating pressure and the operatingtemperature. Hence stress peaks that lie far above the stressesnecessarily produced by operating pressure and operating temperature maybe developed. Because of the risk of the occurrence of such stresspeaks, the operating pressure and operating temperature must be limited.

The invention is based, in addition to other problems, on the problem ofincreasing the filter output without substantially strengthening thestructure of the filter rotor and of the filter housing.

To accomplish this object the use of at least one of the following twofeature groups is provided:

-   -   a) the output member of the gear unit is supported in an        additional bearing, in the following called “output member        bearing,” which is supported stationary by an output member        bearing element, separate from the rotor bearing element;    -   b) the output member is driven by a group of driving wheels,        which are distributed around the periphery of the output member        in such a way that the radial components of the forces        transmitted to the output member are at least partially canceled        out.

Use of the feature group a) makes it possible for radial forces on theoutput member, which for example are produced by the tooth engagementbetween the pinion and the large gear wheel, to be absorbed by thebearing of the output member and carried off by the bearing element ofsaid output member bearing without these supporting forces being able totake the path through the filter rotor or the filter housing. Hence,stress peaks, built up by radial forces in the drive and by simultaneouspressure and/or temperature effects on filter rotor housing as well asthe filter housing, are avoided in the filter rotor as well as in thefilter housing. The absence of harmful influences from the radial forcesof the drive means that pressure and temperature may be increasedwithout building up harmful stress peaks, so that thanks to higherpressure, the output can be increased.

Feature group b) makes it possible for the radial forces produced bytooth engagement of the individual drive wheels to be mutuallycompensated or at least partially compensated, so that this measure alsoallows stress peaks in the filter rotor and/or the filter housing to bereduced and, put another way: at a given sturdiness of the filter rotorand the filter housing, the pressures and temperatures in the interspacemay be increased, resulting in higher output.

The bearing forces of the rotor bearing may be introduced via the rotorbearing element and the bearing forces of the output member bearing maybe introduced via the output member bearing element into a commonfoundation or into a base frame. Considerable demands are placed on therigidity of this foundation or the base frame, in order to preventforces from being introduced anew into the filter rotor and/or into thefilter housing due to deformation of the foundation or base frame Theseparate supporting element of the output member bearing proposedaccording to feature group a) may be realized for example in that thegear unit comprises a rigid gear housing, in which the gear outputmember is also supported and in that this gear housing is supportedstationary by a gear housing supporting element.

The gear unit may be designed with at least one planetary gear stage;this idea is also to be given independent protection according to Claim39. Suitable planetary gears are described in for example a catalog ofthe firm of A. Friedrich Flender A G, Bocholt titled “PLANUREX 2.” Thiscatalog bears the imprint K 256 DE/EN/FR 7.99. When the gear outputmember is part of the planetary gear stage, the condition of featuregroup b) of Claim 1 can easily be met by uniform distribution of theplanetary wheels around the periphery of the sun wheel.

In the design according to the invention, it is possible that the rotorbearing is at least in part fastened to the gear housing and issupported stationary by means of the gear housing, as is disclosed forexample in the catalog “BHS-FEST-Druckfilter” of BHS-Sonthofen bearingthe imprint h-2/2-94, without harmful supporting forces being introducedinto the filter housing and so an increase in the sturdiness ofconstruction or a reduction in working pressures does not becomenecessary.

However, it is alternatively possible that according to for instanceGerman Patent 878,795, the rotor bearing is supported by a rotor bearingelement that keeps the filter housing substantially free of supportingforces.

There, the support of the rotor bearing may be realized in that therotor bearing has a bearing point in each of the end regions of thefilter housing spaced apart along the rotor axis. However, it isalternatively possible that the rotor bearing be limited to the endregion of the filter housing near the gear unit. Then one speaks of a“flying bearing.” Such a flying bearing is desirable especially when itis intended, for example for reasons of easier access to the interior ofthe filter housing and to the filter rotor, to permit displacement ofthe filter housing with respect to the filter rotor in the direction ofthe rotor axis. This aspect will be gone into later.

In the embodiments disclosed in German Patent 878,795 and the BHSprinted source h-2/2-94, the rotor is supported capable of rotation byslide bearings. The use of slide bearings is a measure frequentlyapplied in heavy machine construction, which by and large has beenproven to be satisfactory, because thanks to the large area of contactwithin a slide bearing relatively small unit pressures per area result.It has now been recognized that in the construction of rotating filtersystems rolling bearings may alternatively be used with advantage. Inthe construction of rotating filter systems, although resulting infairly great pressures per unit of area of the components involvednevertheless provide the advantage that the impacts of tipping onoccurrence of radial bearing forces and bending moments, as well as wearof the bearing, are reduced. This idea is also to be given independentprotection according to Claim 40. Concerning reduction of the risk oftipping, reference should be made to the fact that the use of rollingbearings in the case of the invention has resulted in a reduction ofwear phenomena. The reduction of wear phenomena is important not onlybecause the life of the bearings from replacement to replacement orrepair to repair is increased, but also because bearing play caused bywear during operation, which may result in insufficient locking inposition of the filter rotor with respect to the filter housing, isavoided. Such undefined positionings are therefore very unfavorablebecause the sealing conditions at the filter cells as well as at thebearings become uncontrollable. When according to the invention rollingbearings are used, not only are better sealing conditions produced overthe long term at the boundaries of the interspace zones, but sealing ofthe whole system becomes more readily possible, including at thebearings themselves. Improved sealing conditions have the result thatthe higher pressures in the interspace between filter rotor and filterhousing sought in order to increase output can be used without thequality of the seal between successive interspace zones required for theprocess suffering. It also becomes more readily possible to improve theoverall sealing of the filter system, especially in the region of thepassageways and bearings, so that in the event of working with toxicmedia the risk of escape of such media is reduced or prevented.

Ball bearings, roller bearings, spherical roller bearings and inparticular tapered roller bearings as well may be used as rollingbearings. Especially suitable in the event that instantaneous loads areto be expected are grooved ball bearings, angular ball bearings,especially single-row angular ball bearings or tapered roller bearingsfitted in X or even better in O arrangement.

The introduction of radial forces and tipping moments into the bearingpoints of the filter rotor may also be reduced further in that theoutput member of the gear unit is connected to the filter rotor by acompensating coupling, flexible at least in the direction orthogonal tothe rotor axis. Such a compensating coupling may be designed for exampleas a pair of membrane couplings with connecting cylinders lying betweenthe individual couplings. For this purpose, reference is made to EP0,462,991 A2.

While in the prior art according to German Patent 878,795 and accordingto the BHS prospectus bearing the imprint h-2/2-94, torque is introducedinto the filter rotor and the rotating connection assembly in variousend regions of the filter housing, according to another idea of theinvention, to be independently protected by Claim 41, it may be ofadvantage to provide the rotating connection assembly and the drive atone end of the filter housing, for instance, so that the rotatingconnection assembly is located in the direction of the rotor axisbetween the gear housing and the output member bearing, an idea that isto be independently protected according to Claim 42. At the same time,it is especially advantageous that the rotating connection assembly belocated on the side of a rotor bearing point of the rotor bearingdistant from the filter housing. Then the rotor bearing is brought nearto the filter rotor.

While in the prior art of German Patent 878,795 and VHS printed sourceh-2/2-94, the filter housing is supported near the bottom, it is nowrecommended that the filter housing supporting element comprise, atleast at one end region of the filter housing, a plurality of supportingpoints distributed approximately uniformly around the periphery of thefilter housing, which is to be independently protected by Claim 43. Itmust be kept in mind that, owing to the friction of the filter rotor onthe rotor casing unit in the region of the interspace zones near theboundaries, great torques are to be expected on the filter housing,specifically, moreover, torques that may be distributed in asymmetricalfashion around the periphery of the filter housing. Now when it isproposed here that the filter housing supporting element be supported ona foundation or intermediate frame by a plurality of supporting pointsdistributed approximately uniformly around the periphery of the filterhousing, stress peaks in the filter housing, which occur as the resultof friction between the filter rotor and the filter housing, may beminimized by this kind of bearing support. Additional minimization ofstress peaks, especially at the high temperatures to be expected,becomes possible when at least some of the supporting points areassigned to compensating means for the compensation of variations indiameter of the housing casing unit.

One possibility of realization of the idea of uniform distribution ofthe supporting means of the housing around the periphery consists inthat at each of two supporting points spaced apart along a horizontaldiametral line, a supporting column or supporting beam is provided forthe filter housing. In such a design, which is to be independentlyprotected by Claim 44, favorable conditions are also provided for therealization of the idea, to be discussed later, of evacuating the filtercake from the interspace in the bottom region of the filter housing,provided that between the supporting columns or supporting beams accessto the underside of the filter housing is provided at least one end ofthe filter housing.

The filter housing supporting element may alternatively havecompensating means for variations in length of the filter housing in thedirection of the rotor axis, again with the object of avoiding orreducing pressure-induced and especially temperature-induced stresses.

While in the prior art according to German Patent 878,795 and accordingto printed source BHS-FEST Druckfilter, the interspace between the rotorcasing unit and the housing casing unit is sealed off by a stuffing box,according to the invention it is additionally provided that theinterspace between the rotor casing unit and the housing casing unit inthe vicinity of at least one axial end of the units is capable of beingsealed off by a sealing assembly which is capable of being brought intosealing contact with a sealing surface of at least one of the two unitsby a torus inflatable by means of pressure fluid. This idea is to beindependently protected according to Claim 45.

The design of the sealing assembly according to the invention makes itpossible to take into account the pressure increase in the interspace,which according to the object formulated at the beginning takes intoconsideration an increase in the filter output. In particular, even athigh pressures a sealing effect may be continuously maintained withoutneed for adjustment, since fatigue of the sealing material is not to beexpected. The contact pressure between the sealing assembly and the atleast one sealing surface may be selectively adapted to the particularpressure in the interspace. On the other hand, there is the possibilityof briefly relieving and again tightening the seal, for instance whenthe system is to be opened and closed again for repair or maintenancepurposes, or when upon replacement of one or more operating media,interim cleaning is to take place.

In the embodiment according to the invention, the sealing assembly maybe made largely of synthetic material. This makes it possible to bringinto use synthetic materials resistant to the respective filter materialand treatment media. Thanks to production of the sealing assembly ofsynthetic material, the lubricated braids unavoidable in conventionalstuffing box packings, in which the risk of detachment from the packingmaterial occasionally existed, are absent. The pressure fluid may bechecked constantly for its operating pressure and adjusted to itsdesired sealing effect; there is no need for periodic replacement of astuffing box packing.

Insofar as with use of sealing assemblies based on synthetic material,lubrication is still necessary, use may be made of homologous liquidsfor lubrication, i.e., liquids that are related to the filter materialor/and to the associated treatment fluids since risk of contamination isreduced on the basis of relationship alone. In the case of aqueousproductions, i.e., for example filter material in the form of an aqueoussuspension, water may be used as the lubricating agent.

The sealing assembly may be connected stationary to the housing casingunit and be capable of being pressed against a sealing surface rotatingwith the rotor casing unit; it may for example be designed as a grooveprofile substantially unshaped in cross section, which is fixed withrespect to the housing casing unit by a first U arm, capable of beingpressed sealingly by a second U arm against a sealing surface of therotor casing unit, and between the two U arms accommodates a toricinflated member, which is located stationary on the housing casing unitand is connected to a pressure fluid source. In such an embodiment,owing to the inflation pressure of the inflation member, the sealingelement may be adjusted against the housing casing unit as well asagainst the filter rotor. The U cross piece connecting the two arms ofthe U together advantageously is placed on the inside, so that the Uopens towards the outside. The accessibility of the inflation member andthe connections to be attached to it for connection to the pressurefluid source is thus improved without adversely affecting sealingeffectiveness.

The sealing assembly may be attached to an end ring of an approximatelycylindrical frame of the filter housing, where on this end ring at leastone plain or/and cylindrical contact surface may be provided for thesealing assembly.

As disclosed in the printed source BHS-FEST-Druckfilter, the filterhousing may have an approximately cylindrical skeleton frame. There,this skeleton frame may be made of a plurality of skeleton rings andskeleton rods running parallel to the axis of rotation between theskeleton rings, where in the simplest case in relatively short filtersystems two terminal skeleton rings are provided. The skeleton frameforms a basic structure of the housing casing unit. Skeleton windows areproduced between successive skeleton rods. Fillers may be inserted inthese skeleton windows. There, the fillers serve on the one hand forcompletion of the skeleton frame to form a pressure-resistant housingthat in the various interspace zones resists the pressure of the filtermaterial and the various treatment media. At the same time, the fillersmay act as supports of additional functional parts of the filter system,for example as supports of connecting fittings of the stationary supplyline system, through which filter material and treatment medium may beintroduced into the respective interspace zones. In addition, theskeleton windows are divided for accommodation of the zone separatingmeans between successive interspace zones in the peripheral direction,which accordingly are also to be understood as fillers.

It is desirable that the dimensions of the skeleton windows bestandardized and that at least some of the windows have approximatelylike angular distances, so that individual skeleton windows may beequipped with a variety of fillers, i.e. for example fillers that act aszone-separating means or fillers that are designed for the connection oflines of the supply line system. In this way it is possible, byreplacement of fillers, to adapt a given basic design of the filtersystem to a variety of filter tasks, in particular with regard to thedivision of zones.

Although the basic part of the filter housing formed by the skeletonframe and the fillers is already inherently pressure-resistant, anadditional covering element, which may be limited to particular regionsof the outer periphery but which may alternatively extend over theentire surface of the housing casing is often desired. This coveringelement may assume a wide variety of functions. Thus, particularfunctional parts that are assigned to particular regions of the housingcasing unit, for example fittings of the supply line system, may beattached to the covering element. In addition, the covering element mayassume functions of mechanical stiffening of the housing casing unit, ofadditional sealing and of improvement in appearance. The covering may bedesigned in such a way that a cover is assigned to at least one skeletonwindow. These covers may be supports of functional parts of the filtersystem, for example fittings, which may if desired cooperate with afiller or an additional functional part of the filter system carried bya filler. At the same time, it is possible that such a cover be limitedto the covering of a single filler; however, it is alternativelypossible that a cover be designed to cover a plurality of fillers.

With regard to the fact that functional parts requiring maintenanceand/or repair, namely either the fillers themselves or additionalfunctional parts attached to the fillers, are concealed by a cover, tofacilitate access for maintenance and repair work, it is recommendedthat a cover be securable to the skeleton frame by linking or/andfastening means for easy operation. Operation/use is particularlyfacilitated when linking means, which permit simple swinging away of acover, are provided.

It is alternatively possible that the cover be securable to a filler byarticulating or/and fastening means. In this case, the cover may easilybe installed and removed with the respective filler. However, if onlyminor maintenance work is required on functional parts located on therespective filler, for example fittings, the filler may be left in placein the skeleton frame and the cover swung away from the respectivefiller for making these functional parts accessible. Depending on theshape of the filter housing, it is advisable to design any articulationof the cover—regardless of whether on the skeleton frame or on thefiller—with a pivot axis that is parallel to the axis of the filterrotor.

In the rotating filter system according to the invention, it is possiblelargely to eliminate the escape of media of the filter process, i.e. ofthe filter material and the treatment medium. This is a result inparticular of sealing by the sealing assembly according to the inventionand improved sealing between the fillers and the skeleton windows. Inaddition, the sealing element may optionally be constructed orsupplemented by a closed covering, improved or made even more secure byindividual covers.

For sealing of the rotor casing unit, a critical region is the sealbetween the fillers, in particular the fillers designed aszone-separating means, on the one hand, and the framing region of theskeleton windows accommodating the fillers on the other.

This seal may be designed secure in the region of the zone-separatingmeans in that a zone-separating means is made of a separating plate onwhose side distant from the rotor casing unit rests a membrane acted onby pressure fluid or/and a cushion acted on by pressure fluid. Inparticular, a membrane acted on by pressure fluid can surely prevent theescape of process medium from the interspace, even if the upstreamsealing means, i.e. sealing means near the interspace, should fail orallow leakage. In addition, the membrane may be acted on by pressurefrom the outside, so that with the intermediary of the membrane thecontact pressure of the zone-separating means, i.e. for example aseparating plate against the cell structure of the rotor casing unit,may be effected. A cushion acted on by pressure fluid may alternativelybe used for pressing the zone-separating means against the cellstructure of the rotor casing unit and at the same time take oversealing tasks for the process media. The combination of a membrane and acushion acted on by pressure fluid provides optimal conditions.

The zone-separating means as a rule have an elongated shape in thedirection of the rotor axis; one speaks of a separating plate. Thisseparating plate may be designed with a strip as support and with asealing layer applied to the strip as a coating. The sealing layer maybe designed for contact to the cell structure of the rotor casing unitas well as for contact to the boundary of the skeleton window, so thatthe tight separation of the interspace zones from one another, on theone hand, is ensured and, on the other, the escape of process mediumthorough the housing casing unit is prevented. The strip may be made ofsynthetic material. On the one hand, a savings of weight and easierhandling in installation and removal of the respective separating plateis thereby obtained. On the other, the synthetic material may beselected as required for adaptation to the process media to be expectedfor the particular use, in order to obtain high tightness and longservice life of the respective separating plate.

With regard to sealing of the interspace, the border between theindividual filter cells and the filter means assigned to the respectivefilter cell is also critical. It is proposed that the filter meansassigned to the filter cell comprise a supporting frame sealed off onits periphery against a cell-enclosing wall, preferably a supportingframe of synthetic material, for a filter fabric, screen, or the like,where a sealing ring used for sealing sealingly fills up the interspacebetween a peripheral surface of the supporting frame and thecell-enclosing wall to approximately the level of a filter-side face ofthe supporting frame near the periphery. This measure in particularprevents dead corners in the filter cells, in which residues mightcollect over a long period of time. Avoiding such residues is a specialdesideratum not only in the replacement of process media, in which acomplete cleaning will as a rule be required in any case, but also inbatch replacement, i.e. when a new batch of a basically unmodifiedprocess medium, in particular filter material, is to be treated.

The idea of complete interspace filling between the supporting frame ofthe filter means and the cell-enclosing wall is to enjoy independentprotection according to Claim 46.

Production of the supporting frame of a filter means of syntheticmaterial also provides a favorable condition for making the filterfabric as metal wire fabric and welding it to the supporting frame.

Reference has repeatedly been made to the problem of maintenance andcleaning of the rotating filter system. This problem may basically besolved by the detailed measures already mentioned in that the filterhousing, for at least partial access to the filter rotor, isdisplaceable relative to the filter rotor in the direction of the axisof rotation. This idea is to be placed under independent protection inClaim 47. The idea of displaceability of the filter housing and thefilter rotor relative to one another is basically not tied to themeasures of the flying rotor bearing and bearing element treated above,nor to the location of the gear unit and the rotating connection unit atthe same end of the filter housing treated above, nor to theabovementioned sealing of the interspace by a sealing assembly with aninflatable torus. However, displaceability between the filter housingand the filter rotor may be greatly facilitated by each one of thesemeasures and especially by the combined use of these measures.

The idea of displaceability of the filter housing and the filter rotorcan readily be realized in that the filter housing is conveyeddisplaceable on a stationary displacing frame, in particular when thefilter rotor has flying supports.

According to an additional feature of the invention, it is provided thatcleaning nozzles, which are connected to a cleaning fluid supply, areprovided in the region of functional parts requiring cleaning. This ideais to enjoy independent protection according to Claim 49.

The provision of cleaning nozzles per se already represents asignificant simplification of the especially important cleaning problemin filter systems. In conjunction with the displacabiltiy of the filterhousing and the filter rotor relative to one another, as well as inconjunction with the extensive use of synthetic material parts andelimination of dead spaces, a perfect cleaning system is produced.Cleaning of the rotating filter system may be performed without beingdependent on the skill and good will of the personnel entrusted withcleaning. The cleaning nozzles may be operated successively with unlikecleaning and drying media. In detail, the cleaning nozzles are in eachinstance located where the system parts requiring cleaning are mosteasily reached, be it in the moved-together state of the filter housingand filter rotor, be it after the filter housing and filter rotor aremoved apart.

Discharge of the filter cake from the cell structure of the filter rotormay be problematic, especially when the filter cake is in the form of asticky substance. In order to be able to discharge the filter cake ascompletely as possible from the respective cells, scrapers have alreadybeen developed, which in the respective ejection zone reach into thecells and engage under the filter cakes and scrape them out. The deeperthe filter cells, the more difficult the construction and handing ofthese ejection means. On the other hand, with respect to a high outputof the rotating filter system it is desirable to make the cells as deepas possible.

It has been found that in certain cases, the location of the ejectionzone in the bottom region, i.e. in the lowest region, of the filterhousing is advantageous, because there ejection of the filter cake isoptimally supported by the force of gravity. For this reason, it isadditionally proposed that a filter cake ejection zone be provided inthe lowest region of the housing casing. This measure basically is nottied to the type of supporting means of the filter rotor bearing. It hasbeen found, however, that when the filter cake ejection zone is locatedin the lowest region of the filter housing its accessibility due to theabove-mentioned location of the supporting points for the filter housingat two locations spaced apart along a horizontal diametral line can beconsiderably improved. Location of the filter cake ejection zone in thelowest region is to enjoy independent protection according to Claim 48.

The basics of the invention and the details of the invention areexplained by examples in the accompanying figures, wherein

FIG. 1 shows a basic representation of a known rotating filter system incross section;

FIG. 2 a cross section through the rotating filter system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 a sector in the cell structure of the filter rotor of FIGS. 1 and2, in the region III of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 a side view, partially in section, of a rotating filter systemaccording to the invention;

FIG. 5 a top view of the rotating filter system of FIG. 4 in thedirection of the arrow V of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 an additional schematic end view of the rotating filter system ofFIG. 5 in the direction of the arrow VI of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 a detail view of a supporting beam in the region VII of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 a view of the supporting beam of FIG. 7 in the direction of thearrow VIII of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 a sealing assembly according to detail IX of FIG. 4;

FIG. 10 a peripheral segment of a housing casing unit of the region X ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 11 a filter cell in section along the line XI-XI of FIG. 3;

FIG. 12 a side view, partially in section, of an additional example of arotating filter system according to the invention;

FIG. 13 a perspective view of a third example of a rotating filtersystem according to the invention with a filter housing displaceablewith respect to the filter rotor, in operating position;

FIG. 14 a view of the rotating filter system of FIG. 13 in an inspectionand maintenance position.

First of all, let the basic construction and mode of operation of arotating filter system be described by means of FIGS. 1-3. FIGS. 1-3come from the printed source BHS-FEST-Druckfilter bearing the imprinth-2/2-94.

In FIGS. 1 and 2, a filter housing is very generally labeled 10 and afilter rotor is very generally labeled 12. The filter housing 10comprises a housing casing unit 14 with end rings 16. The filter housingunit 14 is supported on a foundation, not represented, by means of afilter housing bearing element 18 to be attached to the end rings 16.Bearing brackets 20, which comprise the rotor bearing 22, are fastenedto the filter housing unit 10. The filter rotor 12 is supported in therotor bearings 22 by mean of two end sections 24 and 26. The filterrotor 12 comprises a rotor casing unit 28. An interspace 30 is definedbetween the rotor casing unit 28 and the housing casing unit 14. Thisinterspace 30 is divided by zone-separating means 32 into interspacezones Z1, Z2, Z3 and Z4. At its ends spaced apart axially, theinterspace 30 is sealed off by sealing assemblies 34. The outside of therotor casing unit 28 turned toward the interspace 30 is designed as acell structure, which is represented in FIG. 3. This cell structurecomprises filter cells 36′ and 36″, where one filter cell 36′ and onefilter cell 36″ in each instance form a filter cell group 36. In eachfilter cell 36′, 36″ is located a filter means 38, which covers adischarge opening 40. T he discharge openings 40 of the filter cellgroup 36 are connected by a discharge line 42 rotating with the filterrotor 28 to the core 44 of a rotating connection assembly 46, likewiserotating with the filter rotor 28, the rotating core 44 being arrangedfixed against rotation to the end section 24 of the filter rotor 12. Inaddition, the rotating connection assembly 46 has a rotating connectionstator 48, which is supported against rotation on the filter housing 10.As represented in the lower half of FIG. 2, a discharge line 42 leadsfrom each cell group 36 to the rotating connection core 44. Located inthe rotating connection stator 48 are located annular segment chambers50, where the peripheral length of an annular segment chamber 50corresponds to the peripheral length of one of the interspace zonesZ1-Z3. A stationary discharge line 52 leads from each of the segmentspacers 50 to a collecting chamber, not represented.

The filter rotor 10 is driven by a gear unit 54. The gear unit 54comprises a large gear wheel 56 and a drive pinion 58. The drive pinion58 is driven by an electric motor. The speed of the electric motor isreduced by the gear unit 54 so that the filter rotor 12 rotates at aspeed in the order of magnitude of 0.5-4 rpm. The direction of rotationis indicated in FIG. 1 by an arrow 60.

Supply fittings A1-A3 are connected to the interspace zones Z1-Z3.Scrapers 62 are assigned to the interspace zone Z4. In addition, afilter cake ejection compartment 64 is connected to the interspace zoneZ4.

The rotating filter system described thus far works for example asfollows:

Filter material FG, for example a liquid-solid suspension is suppliedthrough the supply fitting A1 and spreads out in the interspace zone Z1,under hydrostatic pressure. The liquid constituent of the filtermaterial FG is pressed through the filter means 38 of the cells 36′,36″, so that the solids portion in each instance collects radiallyoutside the filter means 38 as filter cake FK in the supply spaces 66 ineach instance and the liquid portion, called filtrate for the specialcase of the liquid portion of the filter material FG, goes through thedischarge openings 40 into the discharge lines 42. The flow of filtrateis indicated in FIG. 2 by an arrow PM. If one imagines FIG. 1 as amomentary picture during the continuous rotating motion of the filterrotor 12, at the corresponding moment all filter cells 36′, 36″, whichare radially opposite the interspace zone Z1 and are open toward thelatter, are in communication with the supply fitting A1, and, inaddition, the discharge openings 40 of these cells 36′, 36″ incommunication with the interspace zone Z1 are via a discharge line 42 ineach instance connected to the rotating connection core 44, and, inaddition, are connected via the rotating connection 46 to the stationarydischarge line 52, which leads to a filtrate-collection vessel, notshown. The annular segmented chamber 50, assigned to the interspace zoneZ1 is sized so that at the point of time represented by FIG. 1 all cells36′ and 36″ open toward the interspace zones Z1 are finally connected bytheir discharge openings 40 to the stationary filtrate-collectingvessel. The liquid contained in the filter material FG and flowing outof interspace zone Zi, is termed the “filtrate.”

When a filter cell group 36 passes by a zone-separating means 32, in thecourse of further rotation of the filter rotor 12, the cell group 36 isseparated from the interspace zone Z1 and after traveling past thezone-separating means 32 goes into communication with the interspacezone Z2. Upon entry of a cell group 36 into the region of the interspacezone Z2, a filter cake FK, via the filter means 38 of the two cells 36′.36″, has been formed from the solids portion of the filter material FGretained by the filter means 38. This filter cake FK now is to becleaned in the region of the interspace zone Z2. For this purpose, theinterspace zone Z2 is supplied by the supply fitting A2 with a washingagent WM, which is distributed over the entire interspace zone Z2 andpenetrates the respective filter cake FK as well as the filter means 38lying under it, in order then to go through the respective dischargeopening 40 into the respective discharge line 42. The discharge lines 42of all filter cells 36′, 36″, which in momentary picture of FIG. 1 arein communication with the interspace zone Z2 are carried through anannular chamber, not visible in FIG. 2, by a stationary discharge line(not drawn in) to a wash fluid-collecting vessel, to which a separatingstage may be added downstream, in order to separate the washed-outliquid constituents in the cake from the wash liquid and to be able touse the washing liquid for a fresh washing operation.

After passage of a cell group 36 through the annular space zone Z2, thiscell group 36, after passing the zone-separating means 32 separating theinterspace zones Z2 and Z3, goes to the interspace zone Z3. Theinterspace zone Z3 is supplied by the supply fitting A3 with drying airTL, which is distributed over the entire interspace zone Z3 and canreach each of the cell groups 36, which are opposite the interspace zoneZ3. This drying air TL passes through the filter cake FK and the filtermeans 38 lying under it in each instance and may again reach therotating connection assembly 46 through the respective dischargeopenings 40 and in each instance associated discharge line 42. There,the drying air TL is supplied to an additional annular segment chamber(not shown) of the rotating connection stator 48, and may escape intothe atmosphere through a stationary discharge line, not shown, into theatmosphere or be conveyed to a separating device, in which the liquidconstituents removed from the filter cake FK may be carried out by thedrying air TL from the filter cake FK. All cell groups 36 in themomentary picture of FIG. 1 opposite the interspace zone Z3 are in eachinstance at the same time connected via the additional annular segmentchamber of the rotating connection stator 48 to the stationary dischargeline for the drying air TL.

If a single cell group 36 is considered during a rotation about therotor axis, it can be seen that this cell group 36 is successivelysubjected to the following operations:

Upon entry into the interspace zone Z1, the cell group 36 is filled withfilter material FG.

The liquid portions are pressed out of the filter material FG throughthe filtering means 38, and go into the filtrate collection vessel asfiltrate.

After passage through the interspace zone Z1, the filter cake FK thathas settled on the floor of the filter cell group 36 is washed afterentry into the interspace zone Z2 by the washing agent WM. The spentwash liquid goes through the filter cake FK and through the filteringmeans 38 lying under it into the filtrate discharge system and theninto, for example, the wash-agent collection vessel.

When the filter cake FK washed in the cell group 36 enters theinterspace zone Z3, it is dried by the drying air TL introduced throughthe fitting A3. The drying air TL penetrates the filter cake FK and thefilter means 38 lying under it and goes through the associated dischargeline 42 and the rotating connection assembly 46 out into the atmosphereor a separator.

When a filter cell 36′, 36″ has traveled through the zone-separatingmeans 32 between the interspace zones Z3 and Z4, the treatment isbrought to an end. The filter cake FK may now be ejected. For thispurpose, the scrapers 62 are used in the interspace zone Z4, which aresupported and controlled in such a way that they successively penetrateone after another into each individual filter cell 36′, 36″, eject therespected filter cake FK and then in time with rotation of the rotoragain move back out of the filter cells 36′,36″. It is easy to see thatthe deeper the cells 36′ and 36″ are, the more complicated the ejectionoperation and the 62 used to carry it out.

A wash nozzle 68, by which any ejection residues in the cells 36′, 36″can be washed out of the latter, can also be seen in the interspace zoneZ4. The washing fluid that is sprayed out there may be dischargedthrough a washing fluid outlet 70.

The embodiment according to the invention of FIGS. 4 -11 is based uponthe structural and working principles of FIGS. 1-3; similar parts arelabeled with the same reference numerals as in FIGS. 1-3, in eachinstance increased by the number 100.

In FIG. 4, the filter rotor 112 is supported by ball bearings 122 inbearing brackets120 attached to the filter housing 110. The drive of thefilter rotor 112 driven by a planetary gear unit 154, which is supportedby a supporting beam 111 on a base frame 113. The planetary gear 154comprises a planetary gear housing 154a, which is bolted to thesupporting beam 111. The planetary gear 154 is driven by an electricmotor 154 b via a belt drive 154 c. The electric motor 154 b is likewisesupported on the base frame 113. The planetary gear 154 reduces thespeed introduced into it by the electric motor 154 b. The slow speed istaken off at an output member in the form of an output shaft 154 d. Theshaft 154 d is connected via a shaft coupling 157 to a rotatingconnection core 144, which as a continuation of the filter rotor 112 isconnected fixed against rotation to the end segment 124 of the filterrotor 112. The shaft coupling 157 is made of two lamella packets 157 aof a lamella coupling and cylindrical steel piece 157 b connecting thelatter, and serves to compensate for alignment errors between the outputshaft 154 b of the planetary gear 154 and the end segment 124 of thefilter rotor 112.

Let it be noted that in this embodiment, in contrast to the knownembodiments described with reference to FIGS. 1-3, the drive of thefilter rotor 112 is effected from the same left side of the filterhousing 110, on which the rotating connection assembly 146 is alsolocated. Let it be noted further that the planetary gear 154 is fastenedby a separate supporting beam 111 to the base frame 113. The filterhousing 110 is also fastened to this base frame 113, specifically bysupporting beams 118 which can be seen in FIG. 6. The base frame 113 hashigh resistance to torsion, so that the forces of reaction in theplanetary gear 154 and in the gear housing 110 can be absorbed by itsubstantially free of deformation.

The planetary gear 154 is designed with an output stage 154e, whichcomprises a plurality of planetary wheels 154 g distributed uniformlyaround the periphery of the planetary gear axis 154 f, so that radialforces, which may perhaps arise at the point of engagement between theplanetary wheels 154 g and a central wheel 154 h connected with thetakeoff shaft 154 d, are mutually compensated. Therefore, no substantialradial forces are transmitted from the planetary gear 154 to the filterrotor 112, and therefore asymmetric loads on the filter rotor 112 arenot produced on the filter housing 110.

Even if radial forces were to develop in the planetary gear 154, whichcontinue as far as the takeoff shaft 154 d, these would be absorbed bythe gear housing 154 a and introduced into the base frame 113 throughthe supporting beam 111; accordingly they are unable to produce anyasymmetrical loading of the filter rotor 112 and the filter housing 110.The shaft coupling 157 does the rest, in order to relieve the filterrotor 112 and hence also the filter housing 110 of asymmetrical radialforces. The rotating connection stator 148 is secured by a torquesupport 148 a at the bearing bracket 120 against rotating along with thefilter rotor.

The filter housing 110 is supported on the base frame 113 by theaforementioned supporting beams 118. These supporting beams 118 areconnected at two supporting points 118 a with the filter housing 110,specifically in the case of the example by the end rings 116 of thefilter housing. Each of the two end rings 116 is assigned a pair ofsupporting beams, as shown in FIG. 6. It can be seen that the supportingpoints 118 a lie diametrically opposite one another along a horizontaldiametral line D, i.e. are uniformly distributed at 180° distances apartaround the periphery of the filter housing 110. High supporting forcesare introduced via the supporting beams from the filter housing 110 intothe base frame 113. The high supporting forces derive in particular fromthe drag moment that the filter rotor 112 exerts on the filter housing110 at the zone separating means 132 (see FIG. 10). The supportingforces resulting from this high drag moment are to some degreesymmetrically transmitted by the position of the supporting points 118 ain opposition along the diametral line D to the filter housing 110, sothat the load of the filter housing 110 is symmetrical in every case-asin the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3—only a single supporting element 18 ispresent in the floor region of the filter housing.

An additional feature of the supporting element of the filter housing110 lies in that compensating means for the compensation of variationsin diameter of the filter housing 110 are provided in the supportingbeams 118. These compensating means are represented in detail in FIGS. 7and 8. It can be seen that a supporting beam 118 is composed of thelower part 118 b of a supporting beam to be connected with the baseframe 113, and an upper part 118 c of a supporting beam, which arejoined together by a sliding connection 118 d, where this slideconnection 118 d permits displaceability of the two beam parts 118 b and118 c relative to one another in the direction of the arrow 118 e. Avariation in diameter of the filter housing 110 is accordinglycompensated for in the sliding connection 118 d.

If it is considered that high temperatures of the filter material mayoccur the possibility of an extension in length of the filter housing110 must also be expected. For this reason, length compensating meansare provided on at least one of the two supporting beam pairs 118-118′.The flange 118 f, which is designed for connection to the end ring 116of the filter housing 110, is supported capable of rotation by anarticulated joint 118 g on a joint bolt 118 h and is displaceable in thedirection of the arrow 118 i.

It can be seen in FIG. 6 that the cake ejection compartment 164 islocated approximately at the bottom region of the filter housing 110.However, good access to this compartment 164 is possible, thanks to thelateral position of the supporting beam 118.

An additional feature of the design according to the invention of therotating filter system according to the invention lies in sealing of theinterspace 130. While in the rotating filter system of FIGS. 1-3,belonging to the prior art, stuffing box arrangements are indicated assealing elements at the ends of the interspace 30, spaced axially apartin the embodiment according to the invention described in FIGS. 4 to 11,the sealing assembly that is represented in detail in FIG. 9 is used.According to FIG. 9 the sealing assembly 134 is located fixed againstrotation at one end ring 116 of the filter housing 110. The sealingassembly 134 comprises an annular member 134 a with U profile, which isfastened by means of a fastening flange 134 b to the end ring 116 andhas two U arms 134 c and 134 d so that the U cross piece 134 e is turnedtoward the zone separating means. Between the two U arms 134 c and 134 dis accommodated a toric expansion member 134 f, which is fastened via acover plate 134 g to the end ring 116 and is connected through thelatter to an inflation fluid connection 134 h. By inflation of themember 134 f upon supply of pressure means, the U arm 134 d is appliedsealingly against a cylindrical sealing surface 134 i, while the U arm134 c simultaneously is applied tightly against a sealing surface 134 kof the end ring 116. Here, a practically maintenance-free seal isobtained. The annular member 134 a is made of synthetic material, forexample of polyamide. In detail, the selection of the synthetic materialis made in adaptation to the process media present in each instance, sothat the synthetic material is as resistant as possible to the latter.The sealing point between the sealing surface 134 e and the U arm 134 dmay be cooled by a fluid and and/or lubricated by a fluid which isrelated to the respective process medium.

Details of the design of the filter rotor 110 and the filter housing 112according to the invention can be seen in the detail of FIG. 10corresponding to the partial region X of FIG. 1.

The two together form the interspace 130.

The filter housing 110 is made up of the end rings 116 and the skeletonrods 110 a, which together form a skeleton frame 116-110 a. In eachinstance between each two skeleton rods 110 a following one another inthe peripheral direction are formed skeleton windows 110 b, at leastsome of which have like internal dimensions. The distances apart 110 cbetween successive skeleton windows 110 b preferably are also alike.

Fillers that perform a variety of functions may be inserted into theskeleton windows 110 b. In FIG. 10, a first group of fillers can beseen, which are designed as zone-separating means 132. In detail, thesezone-separating means 132 are made up as separating plates with a strip132 a of synthetic material. In this connection, the synthetic materialis selected so that it is resistant to the respective process medium,that is, in particular to the filter material FG. The strip 132 a isprovided with a sealing cord 132 b running all around, which restsagainst the inner periphery of the skeleton window 110 b. The side ofthe strip 132 a turned toward the filter rotor 112 is attached a sealinglayer 132 c, which again may be made of synthetic material, and isdesigned for contact against the inner peripheral surface of theskeleton window 110 b and against the top of ribs 128 a of the cellstructure represented in FIG. 3.

In addition to the sealing cord 132 c, an additional sealing functionmay be exercised by a sealing membrane 132 d, which rests on the radialouter side of the strip 132 a and is tightly anchored in the peripheralsurface of the respective skeleton window 110 b. In order to produce agood seal between the interspace zone Z2 of the interspace 130represented in FIG. 10, and the adjacent interspace Z1 (see FIG. 1), thestrip 132 a with the sealing layer 132 c must be pressed against thetops of the ribs 128 a. For this purpose, a cushion 132 e which isprovided with a fitting, not represented, for the introduction of aninflation fluid and which is supported at its radial outer side againsta supporting box 132 f lies over the sealing membrane 132 d. Thesupporting box 132 f is fastened to a covering element 115, which is tobe gone into in detail below. The contact pressure of the sealing layer132 c against the tops of the ribs 128 a and hence the separating andsealing effect between successive interspace zones Z1-Z4 may bespecified by corresponding determination of the fluid pressure in thecushion 132 d. There, the membrane 132 d is kept so slack that it doesnot substantially influence the amount of contact pressure against thetop of the ribs 128 a. In this way, it is secured that successiveinterspace zones Z1, Z2 and Z3 are constantly optimally separated fromone another, even when unlike pressures prevail in successive interspacezones Z1, Z2, Z3 and when the positioning of the filter rotor 112 haslost accuracy due to wear of the rotor bearing 122.

In FIG. 10 as an additional filler, a fitting filler 117 is represented,which connects to the connection fitting A2 for the wash medium. Thisfitting filler 117 may also be made of a synthetic material resistant tothe respective process medium and be sealed off against the innerperipheral surface of the respective skeleton window 110 b.

In FIG. 10, a plurality of spray nozzles 119 may also be seen, some ofwhich are fastened to the skeleton frame 116-110 a, some to the coveringelement 115. The covering element 115 as a whole may be designed as atight covering element, which forms an additional protection against theescape of process medium, namely in addition to the sealing element thatalready exists through the skeleton frame 116-110 a and the fillers 132and 117 inserted into the skeleton frame 116-110 a. In the case of theexample of FIG. 10, the covering element 115 is attached by coveringsegments 115 a, which are individually are attached to the skeletonframe 116-110 a and are fastened by quick closures 115 b. Thanks to thequick closures 115 b, the covering segment 115 a, called cover 115 a inthe following, may easily be removed, for example when maintenance orrepair work is to be performed on a zone-separating means 132. It isalternatively possible to design a cover 115 a as a hinged cover, forinstance with a pivot axis 115 c and quick closures 115 b accordinglyonly at the edges of the cover 115 a running in the peripheral directionand at the edges of the pivot axis 115 c in the peripheral direction,with opposite edges lying parallel to the axis.

It is indicated by a sealing cord 115 d running all around that thecover 115 a assumes an additional sealing function by resting tightly onthe skeleton frame 116-110 a.

The sealing element 115 may be made up of similar covers 115 adistributed around the entire periphery. It is alternatively possiblethat a part of the covering element 115 be fastened undetachable to theskeleton frame 116-110 a, mainly where accessibility to the skeletonframe 116-110 a is not required. It would in addition be possible toattach covers directly to the fillers 132 and 117. In this case, ofcourse, the additional sealing function of the covering element would beabsent. However, then the covers may be used as supports of functionalparts such as, for example, the connection fitting A2.

In the case of the special embodiment represented in FIG. 10, theconnecting fitting A2 is fastened to the cover 115 a and rests by atubular piece 121 with the intermediary of a sealing element 123 on thefitting filler 117.

In FIG. 11, details of a filter cell 136′ according to FIG. 3 arerepresented and in particular the details of a filter means 138 insertedinto a filter cell 136′. The filter means 138 comprises a supportingframe 138 a, which is supported radially inward against the filter rotor112 by an intermediate plate 138 b and is sealed off against thecell-enclosing wall 136′ by a sealing ring 138 c of the cell 136′. Thesealing ring 138 at the same time rests on a supporting structure 138 d.It is to be noted that the sealing ring 138 c reaches approximately to aface 138 e of the supporting frame 138 a, so that between the supportingframe 138 a and the cell-enclosing wall 136′a a slot 138 f of very smallradial depth exists, in any case, in which residues can easily bedissolved, for example by the aforementioned washing nozzle 168.

The supporting frame 138 a is designed with a filter fabric 138 g madeof metal filaments, which is welded at 138 h with the carrier frame 138a. Underneath the filter fabric 138 g are formed relief filtratedischarge channels 138 i in the supporting frame 138 a, which lead to afiltrate outlet 138 j. The filtrate outlet 138 j is in communication viaan opening 138 k of the intermediate plate 138 b with the dischargeopening 140.

In FIG. 12, an additional embodiment is represented, which differs fromthe embodiment of FIGS. 4-11 by a modified bearing element of the filterrotor 212. Similar parts are provided with the same reference numeralsas in FIGS. 4-11, increased by the number 100 in each instance

In the embodiment of FIG. 12, the filter rotor 212 is supported by asingle rotor bearing element 222, specifically on the left side of thefilter housing 210 in the figure. At the same time, the rotor bearingelement 222 is supported by a separate rotor bearing element 225 on thebase frame 213. No bearing is provided for the filter rotor 212 at theright hand end of the filter housing 210 in FIG. 12. Therefore, onespeaks of a “flying bearing” of the filter rotor 212. The rotor bearingelement 222 is relatively large in its axial extension and may becomposed of a plurality of ball bearings, roller bearings or taperedroller bearings, so that bending moments resulting from the dead weightof the filter rotor 212 and from asymmetrically distributed pressuresfrom the process media can be absorbed. In this embodiment, theintroduction of bearing forces into the filter housing 210 is reducedthanks to the separator rotor bearing element 225. Therefore, the filterhousing 210 even when it is exposed to considerable hydrostaticpressures, in particular interspace zones Z1-Z4, may be built relativelylight.

It is to be noted that the rotating connection assembly 246 is locatedon the side of the rotor bearing element 222 away from the filterhousing 210, so that the rotor bearing element 222 may be pressed onnear the filter housing 210. The gear output shaft 254 d is supportedwithin the gear housing 254 a by an output member bearing element 254 i.For this reason, no uncompensated radial forces which may be exertedfrom the gear 254 on the gear output shaft 254 d can be transmitted tothe end section 224 of the filter rotor 212. In other respects, theembodiment of FIG. 12 corresponds with respect to the design of thefilter rotor 212 and the filter housing 210 to the embodiment of FIGS.4-11.

The embodiment of FIGS. 13 and 14 corresponds with respect to the flyingbearing of the filter rotor to the embodiment of FIG. 12. Similar partsare provided with the same reference numerals as in FIG. 12 increased bythe number 100, in each instance.

In this embodiment, the filter housing 310 is displaceable on a slidingframe 327 in the direction of the arrow 329 in the direction of thefilter rotor axis A between an operating position according to FIG. 13and a displaced position according to FIG. 14. The sliding frame 327 isagain supported on the base frame 313.

What has been said concerning FIG. 12 with regard to the rotor bearingelement 322 and rotor bearing supporting element 325 otherwise applies.With regard to the construction and mode of operation of the filterrotor 312 and the filter housing 310 the statements made in connectionwith FIGS. 4-11 apply.

When it becomes necessary to perform repair or maintenance work on thefilter rotor 312 and/or on the interior of the filter housing 310, thefilter housing 310 is shifted into the position according to FIG. 14.This is readily possible, thanks to the flying bearing element of thefilter rotor 312 in the rotor bearing element 322. The sealingassemblies, which seal off the interspace between filter rotor 312 andfilter housing 310 in the operating position of FIG. 13 at both ends, donot prevent displacement of the filter housing 310 when these sealingassemblies are constructed according to FIG. 9. One need only let thepressure out of the toric inflation members 134f (FIG. 9) and then shiftthe filter housing 310 without substantial friction into the sealingassembly. The filter rotor 312 remains in place in any case, so thatproblems do not arise either in the region of the rotor bearing element322 or in the region of the rotary connection assembly 346 because ofthe displaceability of the filter housing 310.

It can be seen in FIG. 14 that the filter rotor 312 lies free.Otherwise, the interior of the filter housing 310 is accessible from itsright end when the filter housing 310 is shifted into the position ofFIG. 14.

The displaceability of the filter housing 310 of FIGS. 13 and 14 may becombined with the construction of the covering element 315, i.e., withcovers which are detachable or which may be swung away, in order therebyoptionally to further facilitate accessibility to particular functionalparts of the rotating filter system.

The statements made in connection with FIG. 12 apply with regard to thestatic conditions of the rotor bearing element 322 and rotor bearingsupporting element 325, as well as of the housing supporting element.

1. Rotating filter system, comprising a filter housing having a housingcasing unit, a filter rotor with a rotor casing unit accommodated withinthe filter housing and capable of rotating about a rotor axis, aninterspace between the rotor casing unit and the housing casing unit,where the rotor casing unit has a plurality of filter cells or filtercell groups following one another in the peripheral direction, whereadditionally in individual filter cells a supply space opening towardthe interspace is in each instance separated by a filter means from adischarge line system rotating with the filter rotor, to which in turn astationary discharge line system is connected downstream via a rotatingconnection assembly, where additionally the interspace is divided byzone-separating means into a plurality of interspace zones following oneanother in the peripheral direction, which upon rotation of the filterrotor successively come into communication with separate filter cells orfilter cell groups and at least some are in communication with astationary supply line system, so that at least one stationary supplyline of the stationary supply line system, via an associated stationaryinterspace zone and in each instance at least one of the filter cells orfilter cell groups successively traveling past this interspace zone androtating discharge lines of the rotating discharge line system in eachinstance assigned to the individual filter cells or filter cell groupsis in communication with one stationary discharge line of the stationarydischarge line system assigned to this stationary supply line, whereadditionally the filter rotor is supported by a rotor bearing and thisrotor bearing is supported stationary by a rotor bearing element, whereadditionally the filter rotor is capable of being driven by a drivemotor via a gear unit which has an output member located substantiallycoaxial with the filter rotor and connected with the filter rotor forcommon rotation about the rotor axis, characterized by at least one ofthe two feature groups: a) the output member is supported in anadditional bearing in the following, called “output member bearing”which is supported stationary by an output member bearing element,separate from the rotor bearing element; b) the output member is drivenby a group of driving wheels, which are distributed around the peripheryof the output member in such a way that the radial components of theforces transmitted to the output member are at least partially canceledout.
 2. Rotating filter system according to claim 1, characterized inthat the rotor bearing is supported by means of the rotor bearingelement and the output member bearing is supported by means of theoutput member bearing element on a common foundation or base frame. 3.Rotating filter system according to claim 1, characterized in that thegear unit comprises a gear housing in which the gear output member isalso supported and in that this gear housing is supported stationary bya gear housing bearing element.
 4. Rotating filter system according toclaim
 1. characterized in that the gear unit comprises at least oneplanetary gear stage and in that the gear output member is part of theplanetary gear stage.
 5. Rotating filter system according to claim 1,characterized in that the rotor bearing is at least in part fastened tothe gear housing and is supported stationary by means of the gearhousing.
 6. Rotating filter system according to claim 1, characterizedin that the rotor bearing is supported by a rotor bearing element whichkeeps the filter housing substantially free of supporting forces. 7.Rotating filter system according to claim 1, characterized in that therotor bearing has a bearing polenta in each of the end regions of thefilter housing spaced apart along the rotor axis.
 8. Rotating filtersystem according to claim 1, characterized in that the rotor bearing islimited to the end region of the filter housing near the gear unit. 9.Rotating filter system according to claim 1, characterized in that therotor bearing has at least one rolling bearing or at least one group ofrolling bearings.
 10. Rotating filter system according to claim 1,characterized in that the output member of the gear unit is connected tothe filter rotor via a compensating coupling flexible at least in thedirection orthogonal to the rotor axis.
 11. Rotating filter systemaccording to claim 1, characterized in that the rotating connectionassembly is located in the direction of the rotor axis between thefilter housing and the output member bearing.
 12. Rotating filter systemaccording to claim 11, characterized in that the rotating connectionassembly is located on the side of a rotor bearing point of the rotorbearing that is distant from the filter housing.
 13. Rotating filtersystem according to claim 1, characterized in that the filter housingbearing element comprises, in at least one end region of the filterhousing, a plurality of bearing points approximately uniformlydistributed around the periphery of the filter housing.
 14. Rotatingfilter system according to claim 1, characterized in that compensatingmeans are assigned to at least some of the bearing points for thecompensation of variations in diameter of the housing casing unit. 15.Rotating filter system according to claim 14, characterized in that asupporting column or a supporting beam for the filter housing isprovided at each of two bearing points spaced apart along a horizontaldiametrical line D.
 16. Rotating filter system according to claim 1,characterized in that the filter housing bearing element hascompensating means for variations in Length of the filter housing in thedirection of the rotor axis.
 17. Rotating filter system according toclaim 1, characterized in that the interspace between the rotor casingunit and the housing casing unit is capable of being sealed off in thevicinity of at least one axial end of these units by a sealing assemblywhich is capable of being brought by a torus inflatable by means ofpressure fluid into sealing contact with a sealing surface of at leastone of the two units.
 18. Rotating filter system according to claim 17,characterized in that the sealing assembly is connected stationary tothe housing casing unit and is capable of being pressed against asealing surface rotating with the rotor casing unit.
 19. Rotating filtersystem according to claim 18, characterized in that the sealing assemblycomprises a substantially U-shaped groove profile in cross section,which with respect to the housing casing unit is fixed by a first U arm,is capable of being sealingly pressed by a second U arm against thesealing surface of the rotor casing unit and between the two U armsaccommodates a toric inflation member, which is located stationary onthe housing casing unit and is connected to a pressure fluid source. 20.Rotating filter system according to claim 17, characterized in that thesealing assembly is attached to an end ring of an approximatelycylindrical frame of the filter housing.
 21. Rotating filter systemaccording to claim 1, characterized in that filter housing comprises anapproximately cylindrical skeleton frame having at least two terminalskeleton rings and, between the skeleton rings, skeleton rods runningparallel to the axis of rotation, where this skeleton frame forms abasic structure of the housing casing unit and where in the skeletonwindow, between successive skeleton rods fliers are capable of beinginserted as supports for functional parts of the filter system. 22.Rotating filter system according to claim 21, characterized in that acover is assigned to at least one skeleton window.
 23. Rotating filtersystem according to claim 22, characterized in that the cover is thesupport of at least one functional part of the filter system, which ifdesired cooperates with a filler or a functional part of the filtersystem supported by a filler.
 24. Rotating filter system according toclaim 22, characterized in that a cover is limited to covering a singlefiller.
 25. Rotating filter system according to claim 22, characterizedin that a cover is designed for covering a plurality of fillers. 26.Rotating filter system according to claim 22, characterized in that acover is capable of being fixed by linking and/or fastening means to theskeleton frame.
 27. Rotating filter system according to claim 22,characterized in that the cover is capable of being fixed by linkingor/and fastening means to a filler.
 28. Rotating filter system accordingto claim 22, characterized in that the cover is capable of pivotingabout a pivot axis parallel to the rotor axis.
 29. Rotating filtersystem according to claim 22, characterized in that the cover is part ofan annular closed covering of the housing casing unit.
 30. Rotatingfilter system according to claim 1, characterized in that theinterspace, the supply line system, the rotating discharge line systemand the stationary discharge line system are sealed against escape offilter process medal and against entry of fouling substances, inparticular lubricants.
 31. Rotating filter system according to claim 1,characterized in that a zone-separating means is made of a separatingplate on whose side distant from the rotor casing unit rests a membraneacted on by a pressure fluid or a cushion acted on by a pressure fluid.32. Rotating filter system according to claim 1, characterized in thatthe zone-separating means comprise a separating plate having a strip ofsynthetic material and a sealing layer attached to the strip. 33.Rotating filter system according to claim 1, characterized in that afilter means assigned to a filter cell comprises a supporting frame,preferably a supporting frame of synthetic material, sealed off on itsperiphery against a cell-enclosing wall, for a filter fabric, screen orthe like, where a sealing ring used for sealing sealingly fills up theinterspace between a peripheral surface of the supporting frame and thecell-enclosing wall to approximately the level of a filter-side face ofthe supporting frame on the periphery.
 34. Rotating filter systemaccording to claim 1, characterized in that the filter fabric is a metalwire fabric, which is welded to a supporting frame.
 35. Rotating filtersystem according to claim 1, characterized in that the filter housing,for at least partial freeing of the filter rotor is displaceablerelative to the filter rotor in the direction of the axis of rotation.36. Rotating filter system according to claim 35, characterized in thatthe filter housing is carried displaceable on a stationary displacingframe.
 37. Rotating filter system according to claim 1, characterized inthat cleaning nozzles, which are connected to a cleaning fluid supply,are provided in the region of functional parts requiring cleaning. 38.Rotating filter system according to claim 1, characterized in that afilter cake ejection zone is provided in the lowest region of thehousing casing.
 39. Rotating filter system, comprising a filter housinghaving a housing casing unit, a filter rotor with a rotor casing unitaccommodated within the filter housing and capable of rotating about arotor axis, an inter-space between the rotor casing unit and the housingcasing unit, where the rotor casing unit has a plurality of filter cellsor filter cell groups following one another in the peripheral direction,where additionally in separate filter cells a supply space openingtoward the interspace is in each instance separated by a filter meansfrom a discharge line system rotating with the filter rotor, to which inturn a stationary discharge line system is connected downstream via arotating connection assembly, where additionally the interspace isdivided by zone-separating means into a plurality of interspace zonesfollowing one another in the peripheral direction, which upon rotationof the filter rotor successively come into communication with separatefilter cells or filter cell groups and at least some are incommunication with a stationary supply line system, so that at least onestationary supply line of the stationary supply line system, via anassociated stationary interspace zone and in each instance at least oneof the filter cells or filter cell groups successively traveling pastthis interspace zone and rotating discharge lines of the rotatingdischarge line system in each instance assigned to the individual filtercells or filter cell groups is in communication with a stationarydischarge line of the stationary discharge line system assigned to thisstationary supply line, where additionally the filter rotor is supportedby a rotor bearing and this rotor bearing is supported stationary by arotor bearing element, where additionally the filter rotor is capable ofbeing driven by a drive motor via a gear unit, which has an outputmember located substantially coaxial with the filter rotor and connectedwith the filter rotor for common rotation about the rotor axis,characterized in that the gear unit comprises at least one planetarygear stage and in that the gear output member is a part of the planetarygear stage.
 40. Rotating filter system comprising a filter housinghaving a housing casing unit, a filter rotor with a rotor casing unitaccommodated within the filter housing and capable of rotating about arotor axis, an interspace between the rotor casing unit and the housingcasing unit, where the rotor casing unit has a plurality of filter cellsor filter cell groups following one another in the peripheral direction,where additionally in separate filter cells a supply space openingtoward the interspace is in each instance separated by a filter meansfrom a discharge line system rotating with the filter rotor, to which inturn a stationary discharge line system is connected downstream via arotating connection assembly, where additionally the interspaceundivided by zone-separating means into a plurality of interspace zonesfollowing one another in the peripheral direction, which upon rotationof the filter rotor successively come into communication with separatefilter cells or filter cell groups and at least some are incommunication with a stationary supply line system, so that at least onestationary supply line of the stationary supply line system, via anassociated stationary interspace zone and in each instance at least oneof the filter cells or filter cell groups successively traveling pastthis interspace zone and rotating discharge lines of the rotatingdischarge line system in each instance assigned to the individual filtercells or filter cell groups is in communication with a stationarydischarge line of the stationary discharge line system assigned to thisstationary supply line, where additionally the filter rotor is supportedby a rotor bearing and this rotor bearing is supported stationary by arotor bearing element, where additionally the filter rotor is capable ofbeing driven by a drive motor via a gear unit, which has an outputmember located substantially coaxial with the filter rotor and connectedwith the filter rotor for common rotation about the rotor axis,characterized in that the rotor bearing has at least one rolling bearingor at least one group of rolling bearings.
 41. Rotating filter system,comprising a filter housing having a housing casing unit, a filter rotorwith a rotor casing unit accommodated within the filter housing, andcapable of rotating about a rotor axis, an interspace between the rotorcasing unit and the housing casing unit, where the rotor casing unit hasa plurality of filter cells or filter cell groups following one anotherin the peripheral direction, where additionally in separate filter cellsa supply space opening toward the interspace is in each instanceseparated by a filter means from a discharge line system rotating withthe filter rotor, to which in turn a stationary discharge line system isconnected downstream via a rotating connection assembly, whereadditionally the interspace is divided by zone-separating means into aplurality of interspace zones following one another in the peripheraldirection, which upon rotation of the filter rotor successively comeinto communication with separate filter cells or filter cell groups andat least some are in communication with a stationary supply line system,so that at least one stationary supply line of the stationary supplyline system, via an associated stationary interspace zone and in eachinstance at least one of the filter cells or filter cell groupssuccessively traveling past this interspace zone and rotating dischargelines of the rotating discharge line system in each instance assigned tothe individual filter cells or filter cell groups is in communicationwith a stationary discharge line of the stationary discharge line systemassigned to this stationary supply line, where additionally the filterrotor is supported by a rotor bearing and this rotor bearing issupported stationary by a rotor bearing element, where additionally thefilter rotor is capable of being driven by a drive motor via a gearunit, which has an output member located substantially coaxial with thefilter rotor and connected with the filter rotor for common rotationabout the rotor axis, characterized in that the rotor bearing is limitedto the end region of the filter housing near the drive unit. 42.Rotating filter system, comprising a filter housing having a housingcasing unit, a filter rotor with a rotor casing unit accommodated withinthe filter housing, and capable of rotating about a rotor axis, aninterspace between the rotor casing unit and the housing casing unit,where the rotor casing unit has a plurality of filter cells or filtercell groups following one another in the peripheral direction, whereadditionally in separate filter cells a supply space opening toward theinterspace is in each instance separated by a filter means from adischarge line system rotating with the filter rotor, to which in turn astationary discharge line system is connected downstream via a rotatingconnection assembly, where additionally the interspace is divided byzone-separating means into a plurality of interspace zones following oneanother in the peripheral direction, which upon rotation of the filterrotor successively come into communication with separate filter cells orfilter cell groups and at least some are in communication with astationary supply line system, so that at least one stationary supplyline of the stationary supply line system, via an associated stationaryinterspace zone and in each instance at least one of the filter cells orfilter cell groups successively traveling past this interspace zone androtating discharge lines of the rotating discharge line system in eachinstance assigned to the individual filter cells or filter cell groupsis in communication with a stationary discharge line of the stationarydischarge line system assigned to this stationary supply line, whereadditionally the filter rotor is supported by a rotor bearing and thisrotor bearing is supported stationary by a rotor bearing element, whereadditionally the filter rotor is capable of being driven by a drivemotor via a gear unit, which has an output member located substantiallycoaxial with the filter rotor and connected with the filter rotor forcommon rotation about the rotor axis, characterized in that the rotatingconnection assembly is located in the direction of the rotor axisbetween the filter housing and the drive member bearing.
 43. Rotatingfilter system, comprising a filter housing having a housing casing unit,a filter rotor with a rotor casing unit accommodated within the filterhousing and capable of rotating about a rotor axis, an interspacebetween the rotor casing unit and the housing casing unit, where therotor casing unit has a plurality of filter cells or filter cell groupsfollowing one another in the peripheral direction, where additionally inseparate filter cells a supply space opening toward the interspace is ineach instance separated by a filter means from a discharge line systemrotating with the filter rotor, to which in turn a stationary dischargeline system is connected downstream via a rotating connection assembly,where additionally the interspace is divided by zone-separating meansinto a plurality of interspace zones following one another in theperipheral direction, which upon rotation of the filter rotorsuccessively come into communication with separate filter cells orfilter cell groups and at least some are in communication with astationary supply line system, so that at least one stationary supplyline of the stationary supply line system, via an associated stationaryinterspace zone and in each instance at least one of the filter cells orfilter cell groups successively traveling past this interspace zone androtating discharge lines of the rotating discharge line system in eachinstance assigned to the individual filter cells or filter cell groupsis in communication with a stationary discharge line of the stationarydischarge line system assigned to this stationary supply line, whereadditionally the filter rotor is supported by a rotor bearing and thisrotor bearing is supported stationary by a rotor bearing element, whereadditionally the filter rotor is capable of belong driven by a drivemotor via a gear unit, which has an output member located substantiallycoaxial with the filter rotor and connected with the filter rotor forcommon rotation about the rotor axis, characterized in that the filterhousing support, at least in one end region of the filter housingcomprises a plurality of bearing points distributed approximatelyuniformly around the periphery of the filter housing.
 44. Rotatingfilter system, comprising a filter housing having a housing casing unit,a filter rotor with a rotor casing unit accommodated within the filterhousing and capable of rotating about a rotor axis, an interspacebetween the rotor casing unit and the housing casing unit, where therotor casing unit has a plurality of filter cells or filter cell groupsfollowing one another in the peripheral direction, where additionally inseparate filter cells a supply space opening toward the interspace is ineach instance separated by a filter means from a discharge line systemrotating with the filter rotor, to which in turn a stationary dischargeline system is connected downstream via a rotating connection assembly,where additionally the interspace is divided by zone-separating meansinto a plurality of interspace zones following one another in theperipheral direction, which upon rotation of the filter rotorsuccessively come into communication with separate filter cells orfilter cell groups and at least some are in communication with astationary supply line system, so that at least one stationary supplyline of the stationary supply line system, via an associated stationaryinterspace zone and in each instance at least one of the filter cells orfilter cell groups successively traveling past this interspace zone androtating discharge lines of the rotating discharge line system in eachinstance assigned to the individual filter cells or filter cell groupsis in communication with a stationary discharge line of the stationarydischarge line system assigned to this stationary supply line, whereadditionally the filter rotor is supported by a rotor bearing and thisrotor bearing is supported stationary by a rotor bearing element, whereadditionally the filter rotor is capable of being driven by a drivemotor via a gear unit, which has an output member substantially coaxialwith the filter rotor and connected with the filter rotor for commonrotation about the rotor axis, characterized in that a supporting columnor a supporting beam is provided for the filter housing at each of twobearing polentas spaced apart along a horizontal diametral line D. 45.Rotating filter system, comprising a filter housing having a housingcasing unit, a filter rotor with a rotor casing unit accommodated withinthe filter housing, and capable of rotating about a rotor axis, aninterspace between the rotor casing unit and the housing casing unit,where the rotor casing unit has a plurality of filter cells or filtercell groups following one another in the peripheral direction, whereadditionally in separate filter cells a supply space opening toward theinterspace is in each instance separated by a filter means from adischarge line system rotating with the filter rotor, to which in turn astationary discharge line system is connected downstream via a rotatingconnection assembly, where additionally the interspace is divided byzone-separating means into a plurality of interspace zones following oneanother in the peripheral direction, which upon rotation of the filterrotor successively come into communication with separate filter cells orfilter cell groups and at least some are in communication with astationary supply line system, so that at least one stationary supplyline of the stationary supply line system, via an associated stationaryinterspace zone and in each instance at least one of the filter cells orfilter cell groups successively traveling past this interspace zone androtating discharge lines of the rotating discharge line system in eachinstance assigned to the individual filter cells or filter cell groupsis in communication with a stationary discharge line of the stationarydischarge line system assigned to this stationary supply line, whereadditionally the filter rotor is supported by a rotor bearing and thisrotor bearing is supported stationary by a rotor bearing element, whereadditionally the filter rotor is capable of being driven by a drivemotor via a gear unit, which has an output member located substantiallycoaxial with the filter rotor and connected with the filter rotor forcommon rotation about the rotor axis characterized in that theinterspace between the rotor casing unit and the housing casing unit iscapable of being sealed off in the vicinity of at least one axial end ofthese units by a sealing assembly, which is capable of being brought bya torus inflatable by means of pressure fluid into sealing contact witha sealing surface, of at least one of the two units.
 46. Rotating filtersystem, comprising a filter housing having a housing casing unit, afilter rotor with a rotor casing unit accommodated within the filterhousing, and capable of rotating about a rotor axis, an interspacebetween the rotor casing unit and the housing casing unit, where therotor casing unit has a plurality of filter cells or filter cell groupsfollowing one another in the peripheral direction, where additionally inseparate filter cells a supply space opening toward the interspace is ineach instance separated by a filter means from a discharge line systemrotating with the filter rotor, to which in turn a stationary dischargeline system is connected downstream via a rotating connection assembly,where additionally the interspace is divided by zone-separating meansinto a plurality of interspace zones following one another in theperipheral direction, which upon rotation of the filter rotorsuccessively come into communication with separate filter cells orfilter cell groups and at least some are in communication with astationary supply line system, so that at least one stationary supplyline of the stationary supply line system, via an associated stationaryinterspace zone and in each instance at least one of the filter cells orfilter cell groups successively traveling past this interspace zone androtating discharge lines of the rotating discharge line system in eachinstance assigned to the individual filter cells or filter cell groupsis in communication with a stationary discharge line of the stationarydischarge line system assigned to this stationary supply line, whereadditionally the filter rotor is supported by a rotor bearing and thisrotor bearing is supported stationary by a rotor bearing element, whereadditionally the filter rotor is capable of being driven by a drivemotor via a gear unit, which has an output member located substantiallycoaxial with the filter rotor and connected with the filter rotor forcommon rotation about the rotor axis, characterized in that a filtermeans assigned to a filter cell comprises a supporting frame, preferablya supporting frame of synthetic material, sealed off at its peripheryagainst a cell-enclosing wall for a filter fabric, screen or the like,where a sealing ring used for sealingly sealing fills up the interspacebetween a peripheral surface of the supporting frame and thecell-enclosing wall to approximately the level of a filter material-sideface of the supporting frame near the periphery.
 47. Rotating filtersystem according to claim 45, characterized in that the filter housing,for at least partial freeing of the filter rotor is displaceablerelative to the filter rotor in the direction of the axis of rotation.48. Rotating filter system, comprising a filter housing having a housingcasing unit, a filter rotor with a rotor casing unit accommodated withinthe filter housing, and capable of rotating about a rotor axis, aninterspace between the rotor casing unit and the housing casing unit,where the rotor casing unit has a plurality of filter cells or filtercell groups following one another in the peripheral direction, whereadditionally in separate filter cells a supply space opening toward theinterspace is in each instance separated by a filter means from adischarge line system rotating with the filter rotor, to which in turn astationary discharge line system is connected downstream via a rotatingconnection assembly, where additionally the interspace is divided byzone-separating means into a plurality of interspace zones following oneanother in the peripheral direction, which upon rotation of the filterrotor successively come into communication with separate filter cells orfilter cell groups and at least some are in communication with astationary supply line system, so that at least one stationary supplyline of the stationary supply line system, via an associated stationaryinterspace zone and in each instance at least one of the filter cells orfilter cell groups successively traveling past this interspace zone androtating discharge lines of the rotating discharge line system in eachinstance assigned to the individual filter cells or filter cell groupsis in communication with a stationary discharge line of the stationarydischarge line system assigned to this stationary supply line, whereadditionally the filter rotor is supported by a rotor bearing and thisrotor bearing is supported stationary by a rotor bearing element, whereadditionally the filter rotor is capable of being driven by a drivemotor via a gear unit, which has an output member located substantiallycoaxial with the filter rotor and connected with the filter rotor forcommon rotation about the rotor axis, characterized in that a filtercake ejection zone is provided in the lowest region of the housingcasing.
 49. Rotating filter system, comprising a filter housing having ahousing casing unit, a filter rotor with a rotor casing unitaccommodated within the filter housing, and capable of rotating about arotor axis, an interspace between the rotor casing unit and the housingcasing unit, where the rotor casing unit has a plurality of filter cellsor filter cell groups following one another in the peripheral direction,where additionally in separate filter cells a supply space openingtoward the interspace is in each instance separated by a filter meansfrom a discharge line system rotating with the filter rotor, to which inturn a stationary discharge line system is connected downstream via arotating connection assembly, where additionally the interspace isdivided by zone-separating means into a plurality of interspace zonesfollowing one another in the peripheral direction, which upon rotationof the filter rotor successively come into communication with separatefilter cells or filter cell groups and at least some are incommunication with a stationary supply line system, so that at least onestationary supply line of the stationary supply line system, via anassociated stationary interspace zone and in each instance at least oneof the filter cells or filter cell groups successively traveling pastthis interspace zone and rotating discharge lines of the rotatingdischarge line system in each instance assigned to the individual filtercells or filter cell groups is in communication with a stationarydischarge line of the stationary discharge line system assigned to thisstationary supply line, where additionally the filter rotor is supportedby a rotor bearing and this rotor bearing is supported stationary by arotor bearing element, where additionally the filter rotor is capable ofbeing driven by a drive motor via a gear unit, which has an outputmember located substantially coaxial with the filter rotor and connectedwith the filter rotor for common rotation about the rotor axis,characterized in that cleaning nozzles, which are connected to acleaning fluid supply, are provided in the region of functional partsrequiring cleaning.